County Boards and Commissions Recruitment - January 2011

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, January 18, 2011

County Board & Commissions Seek Candidates

The following boards are currently seeking applications for new members:

Developmental Disabilities Council   (4 vacancies and 3 terms to expire 3/31/11)

Description: The Council functions in an advisory capacity to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Board of Commissioners on program development, planning, monitoring and funding issues.

Membership:  Comprised of 15 members including recipients of service, advocates, and professionals in the field, key referral sources, provider representatives, and lay citizens. Members are residents of the county or have work interests in the county.

Members     15  

Term Length    3 years  

Housing Advisory Committee (HAC) (1 vacancy and 3 terms to expire 3/31/11) 

Description:  The Committee assists the Board of Commissioners and the Department of Housing Services to provide affordable housing.  

Members:   Providing affordable housing in Washington County is a formidable job. Nine representatives from real estate, banking, building, agriculture, employment, public housing and neighborhoods help the Housing Services Department and the Board of Commissioners with this task. The Committee assists the Board of Commissioners by making recommendations on countywide housing policy issues as well as policies affecting operations of the County's four core housing programs.  

Time Commitment: Fourth Thursday monthly – 9:00 a.m.  

Length of Term:         3 years    

Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) (1 public vacancy and 2 industry terms to expire 3/31/11) 

Description: The nine-member Solid Waste Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on solid waste and recycling policy and program issues.  

Members: Six members representing the public plus three members representing the solid waste industry. A representative of the County Health Department serves as a non-voting committee member.  

Time Commitment: Minimum one meeting per year  

Length of Term:   5 years

The application deadline is March 1, 2011, or open until all vacancies are filled. Applications may be obtained by visiting the website or by calling (503) 846-8685. Descriptions of all the boards can also be found on the Boards and Commissions website.

Boards, committees, and commissions advise the Board of Commissioners on matters of interest to people who live and work in Washington County. Committees themselves do not pass ordinances or establish policy; their purpose is to study issues and make recommendations. Commission members are volunteers appointed by the County Board of Commissioners. Members must be residents of Washington County. Serving on an appointed board or commission is a great way for Washington County residents to participate in decisions that affect them and to learn more about how local government works.

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